Introduction
This spring, fast-food restaurants have been rolling out some of their biggest menu launches yet. From new burgers to vegan options, there’s something for everyone. In this article, we’ll take a look at the six biggest fast-food menu launches of this spring. We’ll cover the details of each launch, including what’s new, what’s different, and what’s worth trying. So, if you’re looking for something new to try this spring, you’ve come to the right place. Let’s dive in and explore the six biggest fast-food menu launches of this spring.
6 Biggest Fast-Food Menu Launches of This Spring — Eat This Not That
Spring is here, and with it comes a slew of new fast-food menu items. From vegan burgers to plant-based chicken nuggets, there’s something for everyone. Here are the six biggest fast-food menu launches of this spring.
1. Burger King’s Rebel Whopper
Burger King is launching its first-ever plant-based burger, the Rebel Whopper. The patty is made from soy and wheat proteins and is topped with tomatoes, lettuce, pickles, onions, ketchup, and mayonnaise. It’s a great option for vegans and vegetarians, and it’s sure to be a hit.
2. KFC’s Beyond Fried Chicken
KFC is launching its own plant-based chicken nuggets and wings. The Beyond Fried Chicken is made from a blend of plant-based proteins and is served with your choice of dipping sauce. It’s a great option for those looking for a healthier alternative to traditional fried chicken.
3. McDonald’s McPlant Burger
McDonald’s is launching its own plant-based burger, the McPlant. The patty is made from a blend of plant-based proteins and is topped with tomatoes, lettuce, pickles, onions, ketchup, and mayonnaise. It’s a great option for vegans and vegetarians, and it’s sure to be a hit.
4. Taco Bell’s Plant-Based Protein
Taco Bell is launching its own plant-based protein option. The protein is made from a blend of plant-based proteins and is served in tacos, burritos, and bowls. It’s a great option for those looking for a healthier alternative to traditional meat.
5. Wendy’s Plant-Based Burger
Wendy’s is launching its own plant-based burger, the Plantiful. The patty is made from a blend of plant-based proteins and is topped with tomatoes, lettuce, pickles, onions, ketchup, and mayonnaise. It’s a great option for vegans and vegetarians, and it’s sure to be a hit.
6. Subway’s Plant-Based Meatballs
Subway is launching its own plant-based meatballs. The meatballs are made from a blend of plant-based proteins and are served in subs, salads, and bowls. It’s a great option for those looking for a healthier alternative to traditional meatballs.
These are the six biggest fast-food menu launches of this spring. Whether you’re looking for a vegan burger or plant-based chicken nuggets, there’s something for everyone. So, go ahead and try one of these new menu items and see what you think!
Whether you’re a once-in-awhile fast-food diner or a regular patron, there’s nothing that entices us more to pay a visit to our favorite fast-food chain than new menu items. There’s always a chance that the latest addition could be your new go-to order.
Following widespread menu streamlining during the pandemic, fast-food menu growth has taken off in the past year, and this spring saw exciting innovations from a number of major chains. McDonald’s, Burger King, Chipotle, and others released new products and re-released some old fan favorites. Here’s a look at six of the biggest launches of this spring.
And don’t miss 5 Worst New Fast-Food Burgers To Stay Away From Right Now.
Chipotle’s new Pollo Asado offers grilled chicken bites tossed in a spice blend and coated in a marinade of lime juice and cilantro. The product launched on March 10 as a limited-time item but was tested in a few select locations as early as last November. In the tests, Pollo Asado did as well as the chain’s uber-popular Smoked Brisket, which became the “best-selling menu innovation in [Chipotle’s] recent history.”
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On March 10 Burger King launched the Whopper Melt: a brace of Whopper Jr. Patties layered with Stacker Sauce, cheese, and caramelized onions, served on toasted bread, and available in Spicy and Bacon-y versions. Burger King hasn’t said how long The Melt line will be around, but it’s the confirmed first in a series of forthcoming Whopper innovations.
Mickey D’s brought back its fan-favorite dipping sauce on March 31 for a “while supplies last” run. Previously the popular sauce was available in 2017 and 2018. Szechuan Sauce was first launched in 1998, as a tie-in product for Disney’s animated movie Mulan. The menu item popped back onto the cultural radar in 2017, following a shoutout on the popular animated sitcom Rick and Morty.
Less than a week after bringing back Szechuan Sauce, McDonald’s treated customers to a limited-time run of Spicy McNuggets. The cayenne and chili pepper–dusted chicken nuggets made their debut on the McDonald’s menu in 2020, and sold out in a little over a month. A second run followed in 2021 and it seems this beloved item may be making a regular annual comeback (just like the McRib.)
Dairy Queen recently expanded beyond desserts and ice cream with a line of five burgers, the chain’s most substantial menu innovation in the last 20 years. The Stackburger line launched March 29, and is part of Dairy Queen’s permanent menu.
Building out its Shaken Espresso line, Starbucks launched the Iced Toasted Vanilla Oatmilk Shaken Espresso on March 1. The new iced drink, part of Starbucks ‘ permanent menu, features blonde espresso with a hint of caramelized vanilla.